The most important thing will be to emphasize to your son that no one will know what he needs unless he tells them. Next, make sure the school (teacher and principle) make it OK for your son to speak up to let his needs be known. There should be some basic needs that you request for his school experience like sitting close to the board, sit with his back to the windows, be allowed to see art projects up close so he knows what is expected, all written materials are enlarged and have high contrast (black writing on yellow paper is best). You must have a very detailed and very clear IEP. I created a brochure for my daughter that explains her needs and Achromatopsia that I share with teachers, coaches, camp counselors, etc.

I have achromatopsia I wish when I was in school I had the things that are out there now for us. Main thing if does not have them yet is red lenxe glasses. I know some people use telescopes. I have one I use to drive with. If you need more info email me.

Sorry just to add a bit more anything that he needs to do I agree with being able to hold it and look at it. If there are notes on the board have them write them down for him. Now to help him with his colors if he cannot read the colors on the crayons relabel them or maybe letting him put them in an order for you from lightest to darkest and write on a card underneath them the colors of each crayon or colored pencil. I know I wanted to be like all the other kids in class so I never wanted anything special but maybe if you start early the kids will know him for the way he is. Some schools will let him where a hat inside to help him from the bright lights.

Just to add a tid bit more in remembering going to school and having to read the board the color of chalk makes a difference. I know now some schools use dry erase boards so they should think of the colors that are being used and make sure that the child can read them.

Please check the children's section of www.achromatopsia.info. We have articles on helping your child and material to help you with the school system.

The site was developed by the Low vision Centers of Indiana, a nationally award winning practice (41 state and national awards).

Each school is different but this article will offer a general introduction to personnel. If you feel uncomfortable with your own reading ability or if you would like playing http://runningfredplay.net